Clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms in a Chinese population: a large, retrospective single-centre study

Patterns and outcomes of current antitumor therapy for high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms: perspective of a tertiary referral center

PURPOSE

Patients with metastatic high-grade neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) have an unfavorable prognosis. Treatment patterns and therapy outcome are scarcely evidenced, especially considering the WHO classification updates since 2017, and were thus investigated in this study.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center analysis evaluated patients with neuroendocrine tumors grade 3 (NET G3) or neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) treated at the Medical University of Vienna since 2010. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) following first-line treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were included, 53 (66%) had NEC and 27 (34%) NET G3. Thirty patients had pancreatic NEN (38%), 29 gastrointestinal NEN (36%), 20 an unknown primary (25%), and one gall bladder NEC. All patients had metastatic disease, and all but four received systemic therapy. Platinum/etoposide was the most frequent palliative first-line treatment in NEC (41/47, 87%) and capecitabine/temozolomide (CAPTEM) in NET G3 (14/27, 52%). Overall, the median PFS and OS from first line start were 16.1 and 43.9 months for NET G3 and 6.1 and 12.7 months for NEC, respectively. Median PFS for platin/etoposide in NEC was 6.1 months (overall response rate [ORR] 56%) and for CAPTEM in NET G3 16.9 months (ORR 46%). Irrespective of the limited sample size (n = 4-11), second-line median PFS was short in NEC (FOLFIRI 2.8, FOLFOX 2.6, CAPTEM 5.4, other 2.6 months) and longer in NET G3 (8.2-11.1 months).

CONCLUSIONS

The present data from a large European NET center show that multiple treatment strategies are used in NEN and highlight the varying outcomes between NET G3 and NEC.

Interest of Integrated Whole-Body PET/MR Imaging in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Retro-Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Simultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) combines the high sensitivity of PET with the high specificity of MRI and is a tool for the assessment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (G-NENs). However, it remains poorly evaluated with no clear recommendations in current guidelines. Thus, we evaluated the prognostic impact of PET-MRI in G-NEN patients.

METHODS

From June 2017 to December 2021, 71 G-NEN patients underwent whole-body PET-MRI for staging and/or follow-up purposes. A whole-body emission scan with 18F-6-fluoro-L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (18FDOPA, n = 30), 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18FDG, n = 21), or 68Ga-(DOTA(0)-Phe(1)-Tyr(3))-octreotide (68Ga-DOTATOC, n = 20) with the simultaneous acquisition of a T1-Dixon sequence and diffusion-weighed imaging (DWI), followed by a dedicated step of MRI sequences with a Gadolinium contrast was performed. The patients underwent PET-MRI every 6-12 months during the follow-up period until death. Over this period, 50 patients with two or more PET-MRI were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 61 [extremes, 31-92] years. At the baseline, PET-MRI provided new information in 12 cases (17%) as compared to conventional imaging: there were more metastases in eight, an undescribed location (myocardia) in two, and an unknown primary location in two cases. G grading at the baseline influenced overall survival. During the follow-up (7-381 months, mean 194), clinical and therapy managements were influenced by PET-MRI in three (6%) patients due to new metastases findings when neither overall, nor disease-free survivals in these two subgroups (n = 12 vs. n = 59), were different.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that using PET/MRI with the appropriate radiotracer improves the diagnostic performance with no benefit on survival. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this procedure.

Correlation between Neurotransmitters (Dopamine, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin), Prognostic Nutritional Index, Glasgow Prognostic Score, Systemic Inflammatory Response Markers, and TNM Staging in a Cohort of Colorectal Neuroendocrine Tumor Patients

Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon in the gastrointestinal system but can develop in the majority of the body's epithelial organs. Our goal was to examine the presence and clinical application of serum dopamine (DA), serotonin (ST), norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (EPI), in addition to determining the significance of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), and systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers as a prognostic factor for patients with colorectal neuroendocrine tumors (CR-NETs), in various tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages. We also wanted to identify the possible connection between them. This study included 25 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with CR-NETs and a control group consisting of 60 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC). We used the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. This study revealed that CR-NET patients showed significantly higher serum levels of DA compared to CRC patients. We showed that serum DA was present in the early stages of CR-NETs, with increasing levels as we advanced through the TNM stages. Moreover, we found a close relationship between the levels of DA and the inflammation and nutritional status of the CR-NET patients in this study. CR-NET patients from the PNI < 47.00 subgroup had a higher level of DA than those from the PNI ≥ 47.00 subgroup. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed correlations between DA, PNI, and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Both hematological indices were negatively correlated with albumin (ALB). Our investigation's findings relating to the PNI, GPS, SIR, and DA indicate that these tools can be markers of nutritional and systemic inflammatory status, are simple to use, and are repeatable. Further research on this topic could provide valuable insights into which biomarkers to incorporate into clinical practice for the management of CR-NET patients.

Understanding the increasing incidence of neuroendocrine tumors

INTRODUCTION

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of tumors with origins from different primary sites such as gastro-entero-pancreatic, lung and endocrine tissue. Worldwide, their incidence has increased in recent decades. Advances in imaging and better clinical awareness are traditionally attributed to this trend; however, other factors such as genetic and environmental contributors are appreciated as well.

AREAS COVERED

The purpose of this article is to review the worldwide epidemiologic trends in incidence of NET through the decades and discuss the various factors potentially contributing to the observed changes in incidence trends.

EXPERT OPINION

Overall, the incidence of NET has increased across the globe over the last few decades. Although multiple genetics and environmental factors have been proposed, the majority of this increase in incidence is secondary to earlier detection. Future studies will help in more accurate assessments and an improved understanding of disease incidence among patients with different grades and differentiation.

Non-specific Symptoms of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumor and the Diagnostic Challenges: A Case Report

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are considered the most frequent tumors that affect the small bowels. Despite diagnostic modalities, the diagnosis of small bowel NETs is not straightforward and poses a high challenge to most physicians, due to poor accessibility to this area and the patient's non-specific presentations. We reported a case of a 60-year-old male patient, who presented with severe postprandial epigastric pain of one-month duration, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Investigations revealed no definite diagnosis. Therefore, exploratory laparoscopy was attempted along with multiple biopsies that led to the diagnosis of small bowel NET. We conclude that NETs require a high index of suspicion in patients with recurrent abdominal pain.

Diagnostic role and prognostic value of tumor markers in high-grade gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

OBJECTIVES

High-grade gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors of two different types: well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors grade 3 (NETs G3) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). This study aimed to explore the value of eight common preoperative markers in differentiating NETs G3 from NECs and the prognosis prediction of high-grade GEP-NENs.

METHODS

Seventy-two patients diagnosed with high-grade GEP-NENs who underwent surgery at our institution were recruited for this study. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics, preoperative serum tumor markers, and survival data were collected and analyzed. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to analyze survival rates, and a Cox regression model was used to perform multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was dramatically higher in NECs than in NETs G3 (P = 0.025). After follow-up, 57 of the 72 patients remained for survival analysis. Elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), CEA, cancer antigen 125 and sialic acid (SA) levels indicated poorer survival of high-grade GEP-NEN patients. Only CA19-9 (HR: 6.901, 95% CI: 1.843 to 25.837, P = 0.004) was regarded as an independent risk factor for overall survival. Serum CA19-9 (HR: 4.689, 95% CI: 1.127 to 19.506, P = 0.034) was also regarded as an independent factor for overall survival in NECs.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum CEA levels can be used to distinguish NETs G3 from NECs. Preoperative CA19-9, CEA, cancer antigen 125 and SA levels have predictive value in the prognosis of high-grade GEP-NENs. Preoperative CA19-9, neuron-specific enolase, and SA levels can predict the prognosis of NECs.

[Establishment and validation of a nomogram for predicting prognosis of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms based on data from 490 cases in a single center]

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting outcomes of patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (G-NENs).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data from 490 patients with the diagnosis of G-NEN at our medical center from 2000 to 2021. Log-rank test was used to analyze the overall survival (OS) of the patients. The independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of G-NEN were identified by Cox regression analysis to construct the prognostic nomogram, whose performance was evaluated using the C-index, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curve, DCA, and AUDC.

RESULTS

Among the 490 G-NEN patients (mean age of 58.6±10.92 years, including 346 male and 144 female patients), 130 (26.5%) had NET G1, 54 (11.0%) had NET G2, 206 (42.0%) had NEC, and 100 (20.5%) had MiNEN. None of the patients had NET G3. The numbers of patients in stage Ⅰ-Ⅳ were 222 (45.3%), 75 (15.3%), 130 (26.5%), and 63 (12.9%), respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age, pathological grade, tumor location, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and F-NLR as independent risk factors affecting the survival of the patients (P < 0.05). The C-index of the prognostic nomogram was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.800-0.858), and its AUC for predicting 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 0.883, 0.895 and 0.944, respectively. The calibration curve confirmed a good consistency between the model prediction results and the actual observations. For predicting 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS, the TNM staging system and the nomogram had AUC of 0.033 vs 0.0218, 0.191 vs 0.148, and 0.248 vs 0.197, respectively, suggesting higher net benefit and better clinical utility of the nomogram.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic nomogram established in this study has good predictive performance and clinical value to facilitate prognostic evaluation of individual patients with G-NEN.

Diagnosis and management of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A state-of-the-art

This review provides an update on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the small bowel (SB). These NENs are defined as a group of neoplasms deriving from neuroendocrine cells. NENs are currently the most common primary tumors of the SB, mainly involving the ileum, making the SB the most frequently affected part of the gastrointestinal tract. SB NENs by definition are located between the ligament of Treitz and the ileocecal valve. They are characterized by small size and induce an extensive fibrotic reaction in the small intestine including the mesentery, resulting in narrowing or twisting of the intestine. Clinical manifestations of bowel functionality are related to the precise location of the primary tumor. The majority of them are non-functional NENs and generally asymptomatic; in an advanced stage, NENs present symptoms of mass effect by non-specific abdominal pain or carcinoid syndrome which appears in patients with liver metastasis (around 10%). The main manifestations of the carcinoid syndrome are facial flushing (94%), diarrhea (78%), abdominal cramps (50%), heart valve disease (50%), telangiectasia (25%), wheezing (15%) and edema (19%). Diagnosis is made by imaging or biochemical tests, and the order of request will depend on the initial diagnostic hypothesis, while confirmation will always be histological. All patients with a localized SB NEN with or without near metastasis in the mesentery are recommended for curative resection. Locoregional and distant spread may be susceptible to several therapeutic strategies, such as chemotherapy, somatostatin analogs and palliative resection.

Clinicopathological Features of Neuroendocrine Tumors in Gastroenteropancreatic Tract: A Single Center Study

Background: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying biological, functional, and clinical characteristics that develop from the gastroenteropancreatic tract's diffuse neuroendocrine system. The objective of this study is to determine the clinicopathological features of GEP-NETs at our facility.

Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis of 87 biopsies and resection specimens from January 2020 to January 2022 was performed. The histopathological reports as well as patient's demographic and clinic pathological data were obtained. Two pathologists with a special interest in gastroenteropancreatic pathology blindly reviewed all cases. The tumor grade and stage were determined using the WHO classification (2019) and the AJCC TNM system (8th edition). The data were analyzed with SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results: Of the total 87 patients, 49 (56.3%) were male. The age range was 11 to 80 years, with a mean of 45.7±16.4 and the majority (56.3%) were under 50 years. The most frequent symptom was abdominal pain (55.2%). The most common site of GEP-NETs was the appendix (21.8%), followed by the ileum (18.4%), with the majority of tumors being non-functional (96.5%). Furthermore, neuroendocrine tumor (NET) grade 1 accounts for 62% of the total, followed by NET grade 2 (24.1%), neuroendocrine carcinoma (NET) grade 3 (10.3%), and mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MINENs) (3.5%). Synaptophysin was found to be positive in 83.9% cases while Chromogranin A was positive in 39.1%. A pathologic tumor (pT) stage was determined in 47 resection specimens in our study and the most common stage was pT3 (36.1%). Nodal metastasis was found in 25.5% of patients.

Conclusions: According to our study, appendix and ileum were the most common GEP-NETs sites. The tumor site and grade were shown to significantly correlate among the clinicopathological features but there was no discernible correlation between the tumor grade and the gender, age, or pathological tumor (pT) stage.

Clinicopathologic profile of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms in a referral center of South India

BACKGROUND

The neuroendocrine system of the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) region gives rise to unique, heterogeneous malignancies that need a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis owing to their indolent course.

AIMS

The present study aimed to find the incidence and the differences in the morphologic and immunohistochemical profile of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEPNET) in a referral center of South India, JIPMER, Puducherry, India.

METHODS

There were 55 gastroenteropancreatic region neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) assessed for demographic, clinical and radiological features. Gross morphological features, histopathological features, mitotic index, Ki67 proliferation index, and immunohistochemical positivity for synaptophysin, chromogranin-A, CD-56, NSE (Neuron Specific Enolase) and pan-cytokeratin (Pan-CK) were also assessed.

RESULTS

The majority were nonfunctional tumors presenting with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleed, vomiting, jaundice, and loss of weight and appetite. The sites of involvement according to the order of frequency were duodenum, stomach, rectum, pancreas, ileum, appendix and jejunum. The endoscopic appearance of duodenal and jejunal tumors showed polypoidal, nodular and ulceroproliferative growth. These tumors were diagnosed by preoperative biopsy; 54% of them were grade-1 neuroendocrine tumors exhibiting nesting, trabecular, cord, and solid sheet patterns. All 55 cases were synaptophysin-positive with variable positivity for chromogranin, neuron-specific enolase, CD56, and Pan-CK. Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (MANECs) involving the duodenum and stomach comprised 7.3% of all GEPNETs. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors constituted 9% of all tumors; one was multifocal. Lymph node metastasis was seen in 12/55 tumors; 6/12 showed liver metastasis also. All metastasizing tumors measured less than 4 cm in size. Statistical correlation of the tumor grade, mitotic count and Ki67 index as analysed by Spearman's correlation between the paired data denoted by r^s in 55 tumors showed a strong correlation between mitotic count and Ki67 index; a moderate correlation was noted between the tumor grade and Ki67 index.

CONCLUSION

The clinicopathologic profile of 55 GEPNET revealed a majority to be sporadic Grade 1 tumor. Tumors that showed lymph node and liver metastasis were less than 4 cm in size. MANECs were found in the duodenum and stomach.

Neuroendocrine neoplasia and bone (Review)

This is a narrative review focusing on neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) and bone status, in terms of metastases and osteoporosis/fractures. One fifth of NEN have skeletal dissemination, this affinity being regulated by intrinsic tumor factors such as the C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Bone colonization impairs the patient quality of life, representing a surrogate of reduced survival. Patients with NEN without bone metastases may exhibit low bone mineral density, perhaps carcinoid-related osteoporosis, yet not a standardized cause of osteoporosis. Case-finding strategies to address bone health in NEN with a good prognosis are lacking. Contributors to fractures in NEN subjects may include: menopausal status and advanced age, different drugs, induced hypogonadism, malnutrition, malabsorption (due to intestinal resection, carcinoid syndrome), hypovitaminosis D, impaired glucose profile (due to excessive hormones such as glucagon, somatostatinoma or use of somatostatin analogues), various corticoid regimes, and high risk of fall due to sarcopenia. Pheocromocytoma/paraganglioma involve bone through malignant forms (bone is an elective site) and potential secondary osteoporosis due to excessive hormonal content and increased sympathetic activity which is a key player of bone microarchitecture/quality as reflected by low Trabecular Bone Score. Glucocorticoid osteoporosis is related to NEN-associated ectopic Cushing syndrome. Currently, there are a lack of studies to emphasis that excessive gut-derivate serotonin in NENs with carcinoid syndrome is a specific activator of bone loss thus a contributor to carcinoid-related osteoporosis.

Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastric stump: A case report

BACKGROUND

Gastric stump cancer, also known as gastric remnant cancer (GRC), is one of the main complications of postgastrectomy syndrome, which usually occurs following Billroth II reconstruction. The predominant histological subtype of GRC is adenocarcinoma, whereas neuroendocrine carcinoma is relatively rare. In particular, there are few recently reported cases of mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma (MNEC) in the English literature. Here, we present an extremely rare case of MNEC of the gastric stump.

CASE SUMMARY

A 59-year-old patient presented to our department owing to chronic constipation. He had undergone subtotal gastric resection 35 years prior to admission because of benign peptic ulcer. After admission, the patient underwent several tests, and gastroendoscopy showed evidence of Billroth II gastrectomy and local thickening of the gastric stump mucosa at the gastrojejunostomy site, with bile reflux; pathological biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. He was then diagnosed with GRC and underwent total gastrectomy, D2 Lymphadenectomy, and esophagojejunal Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Histopathological examination of the specimen identified MNEC comprising MNEC (60%), adenocarcinoma (30%), and squamous cell carcinoma (10%). Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was initiated on September 17, 2020. Taxol plus cisplatin was administered for only one cycle because of severe liver function damage, and the regimen was changed to etoposide plus cisplatin on October 10, 2020 for five cycles. The patient recovered, with no recurrence after 6 mo of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Gastric MNECs (GMNECs) is a rare type of GRC. This study presented the unusual occurrence of GMNEC in the gastric stump. This case will contribute to improvements in our understanding of the carcinogenesis, biology, pathology, and behavior of GMNEC and GRC.

Association between MGMT status and response to alkylating agents in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a specific DNA damage reversal repair protein. The influence of MGMT status on alkylating agent sensitivity in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the influence of MGMT status on the therapeutic sensitivity of alkylating agents in patients with NENs.

Methods: We searched PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane library public databases through 3 July 2019. The objective response rate (ORR) was the outcome data of interest. Subgroup analysis was performed according based on MGMT methylation and expression of MGMT protein.

Results: Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The proportion of patients with NENs that achieved an ORR after alkylating agent treatment was higher in the MGMT-deficient group than the non-deficient group (OR: 5.00; 95% CI: 3.04–8.22; P < 0.001; I²: 3%). Similar results were noted in the MGMT methylation and MGMT protein expression subgroups.

Conclusion: Patients with NENs and MGMT methylation or low protein expression had a higher ORR proportion than patients without MGMT methylation or high protein expression. The MGMT status can be used as a biological indicator of the response to alkylating agent treatment in patients with NENs.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors associated with gastroenteropancreatic mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms in Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) is low. To improve our understanding of this rare tumor type and optimally guide clinical treatment, associated risk factors, clinical manifestations, and prognosis must be explored.

AIM

To identify risk factors that influence the prognosis of patients with gastroenteropancreatic MiNEN (GEP-MiNEN).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 46 patients who were diagnosed with GEP-MiNEN at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College (Anhui, China) between January 2013 and December 2017. Risk factors influencing the prognosis of the patients were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and cox regression models. We compared the results with 55 randomly selected patients with gastroenteropancreatic GEP neuroendocrine tumors, 47 with neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC), and 58 with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

Among the 46 patients with GEP-MiNEN, thirty-five had gastric tumors, nine had intestinal tumors (four in the small intestine and five in the colon and rectum), and two had pancreatic tumors. The median age of the patients was 66 (41-84) years, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.83. Thirty-three (71.7%) patients had clinical stage III and IV cancers. Distant metastasis occurred in 14 patients, of which 13 had metastasis to the liver. The follow-up period was 11-72 mo, and the median overall survival was 30 mo. Ki-67 index ≥ 50%, high proportion of NEC, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and higher clinical stage were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with GEP-MiNEN. The median overall survival was shorter for patients with NEC than for those with MiNEN (14 mo vs 30 mo, P = 0.001), but did not significantly differ from those with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and MiNEN (30 mo vs 18 mo, P = 0.453).

CONCLUSION

A poor prognosis is associated with rare, aggressive GEP-MiNEN. Ki-67 index, tumor composition, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and clinical stage are important factors for patient prognosis.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are increasing in incidence. Clinicians urgently need a method that can effectively predict the prognosis of GEP-NENs.A total of 14770 GEP-NENs patients with pathologically confirmed between 1975 and 2016 were obtained from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database. All the patients were divided into primary (n = 10377) and validation (n = 4393) cohorts based on the principle of random grouping. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors associated with overall survival, and a nomogram was constructed based on the primary cohort. An independent external validation cohort and comparison with the eighth edition American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system were subsequently used to assess the predictive performance of the nomogram.The multivariate Cox model indicated that age, tumour differentiation, and distant metastases were independent predictors associated with overall survival. With respect to the primary cohort, the nomogram exhibited better discriminatory power than the TNM classification (C-index: 0.821 vs 0.738). Discrimination was also superior to that of TNM classification for the validation cohort (C-index: 0.823 vs 0.738). The calibrated nomogram predicted 3- and 5-years survival rate that closely corresponded to the actual survival rate.This study developed and validated a prognostic nomogram applied to patients with GEP-NENs, which may help clinicians make reasonable prognostic judgments and treatment plans to a certain extent.

Patterns of Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With T1/T2 Gastroduodenal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Implications for Endoscopic Treatment

Guidelines have differed in their opinion regarding the indications for endoscopic resection of gastric-neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs) and duodenal-NENs (d-NENs). We examined the association between size and lymph node metastasis (LNM) to identify candidates most suitable for endoscopic resection. We identified 706 patients with T1/T2 g-NENs and 621 patients with T1/T2 d-NENs from the SEER database. The prevalence of LNM and risk factors associated with LNM were analyzed. LNM was present in 8.1% of patients with gastroduodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and 31.6% of patients with neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that tumor size >10mm, greater invasion depth, and poor differentiation were independently associated with LNM. In addition, the percentage of g-NETs invading submucosa with LNM increased with tumor size (≤10 mm,3.9%;11-20 mm,8.6%;>20 mm,16.1%). However, in contrast to the low LNM risk in patients with small g-NETs (≤10 mm), we found that LNM rate exceeded 5% even for patients with small submucosal-infiltrating d-NETs. Among patients with nodal-negative g-NETs, the cause specific survival (CSS) was similar for those who received surgical resection and endoscopic resection. Among patients with d-NETs, the CSS was better for those who received endoscopic resection. In conclusion, patients with d-NETs had a higher probability of LNM than those with g-NETs. Endoscopic resection can be utilized for curative treatment of submucosa-infiltrating g-NETs and intramucosal d-NETs when the size is 10 mm or less. These results reinforce the need to search for LNM in lesions that are larger than 10 mm.

Surufatinib in advanced extrapancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (SANET-ep): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic options for advanced neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are limited. We investigated the efficacy and safety of surufatinib (HMPL-012, sulfatinib) in patients with extrapancreatic NETs.

METHODS

SANET-ep was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial undertaken at 24 hospitals across China. Patients (aged 18 years or older) with unresectable or metastatic, well differentiated, extrapancreatic NETs, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and progression on no more than two types of previous systemic regimens were enrolled. Patients were centrally randomly assigned (2:1) using stratified block randomisation (block size 3) via an interactive web response system to receive oral surufatinib at 300 mg per day or matching placebo. Randomisation was stratified by tumour origin, pathological grade, and previous treatment. Patients, investigators, research staff and the sponsor study team were masked to treatment allocation. Crossover to the surufatinib group was allowed for patients in the placebo group at disease progression. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, which was analysed in the intention-to-treat population. A preplanned interim analysis was done at 70% of predicted progression-free survival events. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02588170. Follow-up is ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 9, 2015, and March 31, 2019, 198 patients were randomly assigned to surufatinib (n=129) or placebo (n=69). Median follow-up was 13·8 months (95% CI 11·1-16·7) in the surufatinib group and 16·6 months (9·2-not calculable) in the placebo group. Investigator-assessed median progression-free survival was 9·2 months (95% CI 7·4-11·1) in the surufatinib group versus 3·8 months (3·7-5·7) in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·33; 95% CI 0·22-0·50; p<0·0001). As the trial met the predefined criteria for early discontinuation of the study at the interim analysis, the study was terminated early, as recommended by the independent data monitoring committee. The most common treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or worse were hypertension (47 [36%] of 129 patients in the surufatinib group vs nine [13%] of 68 patients in the placebo group) and proteinuria (25 [19%] vs zero). Treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in 32 (25%) of 129 patients in the surufatinib group and nine (13%) of 68 patients in the placebo group. Treatment-related deaths occurred in three patients in the surufatinib group (disseminated intravascular coagulation and hepatic encephalopathy, liver injury, and death with unknown reason) and one patient in the placebo group (cachexia and respiratory failure).

INTERPRETATION

Progression-free survival was significantly longer in patients given surufatinib compared with patients given placebo, and surufatinib has a favourable benefit-to-risk profile in patients with progressive, advanced, well differentiated extrapancreatic NETs. Our results suggest that surufatinib might be a new treatment option for this population.

FUNDING

Hutchison MediPharma.

Molecular and Metabolic Imaging of Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Following Radioembolization with 90Y-microspheres

Liver is the predominant site of metastatization for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Up to 75% of patients affected by intestinal NETs present liver metastases at diagnosis. For hepatic NET, surgery represents the most effective approach but is often unfeasible due to the massive involvement of multifocal disease. In such cases, chemotherapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and loco-regional treatments may represent alternative therapeutic options. In particular, radioembolization with 90Y-microspheres has been introduced as a novel technique for treating hepatic malignant lesions, combining the principles of embolization and radiation therapy. In order to evaluate the response to 90Y-radioembolization, standard radiologic criteria have been demonstrated to present several limitations. 18Fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is routinely used for monitoring the response to therapy in oncology. Nevertheless, NETs often present low glycolytic activity thus the conventional 18FDG PET may not be adequate for these tumors. For many years, somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) with 111In-pentetreotide has been used for diagnosis and staging of NETs. More recently, three 68Ga-DOTA-compounds have been developed and introduced for the imaging of NETs with PET technology. The aim of the present paper was to review the existing literature concerning the application of different metabolic and molecular probes for the imaging evaluation of hepatic NETs following 90Y-RE.

Clinicopathological Study of 100 Cases of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms of the Gastroenteropancreatic System: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience

Background: The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) is on the rise. Although the clinicopathologic characteristics of NENs have been previously reviewed in the literature, the data published in the Indian literature so far are sparse. This study aims to review the clinicopathological features of GEP-NENs, diagnosed at our institution, and that were classified and graded according to the World Health Organization 2010 classification system. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients with GEP-NENs presenting to our institute from August 2012 to May 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data and tumor characteristics were expressed as number, percentage, and mean value. Tumor grade was correlated to metastasis through the Chi-square test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the 100 cases studied, 58 were male and 42 were female. The most common primary site was the pancreas (n = 36), followed by the small intestine (n = 19), esophagus (n = 17), stomach (n = 15), colon (n = 6), rectum (n = 4), and appendix (n = 3). The incidence of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) Grade 1 (NET G1) was higher (n = 40) compared to NET Grade 2 (NET G2) (n = 25) and neuroendocrine carcinoma Grade 3 (NEC G3) (n = 35). Overall in these 100 cases, NET G1 tumors and NET G2 tumors were most common in the pancreas (n = 18/36) and (n = 13/36), respectively. NEC G3 tumors were most common in the esophagus (n = 16/17). The most common site of distant metastasis was the liver (n = 23/26). Conclusion: We elucidated the epidemiological and clinicopathological features of patients presenting to our institute with GEP-NENs.

Value of computed tomography evaluation in pathologic classification and prognosis prediction of gastric neuroendocrine tumors

Background

The study aims to investigate the correlation of CT characteristics with pathological classifications and the prognostic value of CT features in patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (g-NENs).

Methods

Ninety-one cases of pathologically diagnosed g-NENs, including 15 cases of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) (G1 and G2) and 76 cases of poor-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) (G3 and MANEC) were retrospectively studied. All cases were included in correlation analysis of CT characteristics with pathologic grades. Among them, 76 patients who had fulfilled follow-up data were included for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) analysis.

Results

CT characteristics that favor poor differentiation include tumor location (fundus and cardia), larger tumor size (>3.0 cm), infiltrative growth, unclear tumor margin, serosa involvement, ulceration and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Most variables had sensitivities >80% and specificities >60% to distinguish NECs from NETs. Through log-rank analysis, it was revealed that serosa involvement, cystic degeneration, necrosis, heterogeneous enhancement and lymph node metastasis led to worse DFS and OS for patients with g-NENs (P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that serosa involvement and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factor for DFS and OS, respectively, despite of grading, staging and therapeutic choices (P<0.05). Moreover, high Ki-67 index (>55%) in G3 g-NENs is in correlation with serosa involvement and lymph node metastasis; accordingly, patients with higher Ki-67 index had worse 1-year DFS (61.7% vs. 92.3%; P<0.05).

Conclusions

CT characteristics can be useful discriminators and prognostic factors for g-NENs and may help identify G3 g-NEC from G3 g-NEN by revealing its poor differentiation and high invasive potential.

Survival comparison between primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and primary pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms and the analysis on prognosis-related factors

BACKGROUND

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PHNENs) are extremely rare and few articles have compared the prognosis of PHNENs with other neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). This study aimed to investigate the different prognosis between PHNENs and pancreatic NEN (PanNENs) and evaluate the relevant prognosis-related factors.

METHODS

From January 2012 to October 2016, a total of 44 NENs patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the primary tumor location which were named group PHNENs (liver; n = 12) and group PanNENs (pancreas; n = 32). Demographic, clinical characteristics and survival data were compared between the two groups with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests. Prognostic factors were analyzed using the Cox regression model.

RESULTS

The overall survival of group PHNENs and group PanNENs were 25.4 ± 6.7 months and 39.8 ± 3.7 months, respectively (P = 0.037). The cumulative survival of group PanNENs was significantly higher than that of group PHNENs (P = 0.029). Univariate analysis revealed that sex, albumin, total bilirubin, total bile acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, α-fetoprotein and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, histological types, treatments and primary tumor site were the prognostic factors. Further multivariate analysis indicated that albumin (P = 0.008), histological types NEC (P = 0.035) and treatments (P = 0.005) were the independent prognostic factors. Based on the histological types, the cumulative survival of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor was significant higher than that of patients with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma in group PHNENs (P = 0.022), but not in group PanNENs (P > 0.05). According to the different treatments, patients who received surgery had significantly higher cumulative survival than those with conservative treatment in both groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PHNENs have lower survival compared to PanNENs. Histological types and treatments affect the prognosis. Surgical resection still remains the first line of treatment for resectable lesions and can significantly improve the survival.

A novel and validated nomogram to predict overall survival for gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms

BACKGROUND

This study aims to develop and validate an effective nomogram to estimate the individual outcome of patients with Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (G-NENs).

METHODS

A total of 260 patients diagnosed with G-NENs at two medical centers were included, with 156 patients allocated as training set and 104 patients as validation. Predictive nomogram was constructed based on multivariate analyses using RMS package in R version. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were analyzed by C-index, risk group stratification and calibration curve, which was compared with other predictive systems for G-NENs.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, age, Ki-67, mitoses, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, serum tumor marker and distant metastasis were significantly associated with overall survival. The constructed prognostic nomogram demonstrated a good calibration and discrimination value with 0.884 and 0.852 C-indices in training and validation dataset. Compare to World Health Organization (WHO) grading system (C-indices=0.760 and 0.732) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system (C-indices=0.747 and 0.811), the nomogram displayed a better predictive accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel prognostic nomogram showed superior predictive value in overall survival of G-NENs. It might be a useful tool for clinicians in estimating individual survival in G-NENs patients.

Epidemiological Data and Treatment of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Insights From Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Latvia

BACKGROUND

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN) are rare, heterogeneous group which tend to rise in incidence. Epidemiological profile and outcomes of GEP-NEN may vary among countries. The aim of study was to provide baseline clinical and histopathological features of patients with GEP-NEN from tertiary referral hospitals in Latvia.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of GEP-NEN treated between 2006 and 2018. Joinpoint regression modeling was used to estimate annual percentage change (APC) for incidence trends. Overall survival (OS) rate was obtained by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

In total, 205 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 61.0 (IQR 52.0-70.5) years, 69.3% were females. The age-adjusted incidence per 100 000 inhabitants increased from 0.03 in 2006 to 0.67 in 2018 with APC of 24.1%, p < 0.005. The most common primary tumor site was pancreas (30.7%), followed by stomach (24.9%) and small intestine (20.5%). Non-functional tumors are present in 83.4%, while carcinoid syndrome in 7.8%. Stage IV metastatic disease was present in 27.8% tumors. The majority of patients (82%) received an operation with radical or palliative intent. The 1- and 3-year OS rate were 88.0% (95% CI 83.3-92.7) and 77.1% (95% CI 70.4-83.8), respectively. Increasing tumor grade, stage and the presence of distant metastases were associated with significantly worse OS.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights increasing incidence of GEP-NEN in Latvia. The most common primary site was pancreas and surgery considered as main modality of treatment. Registry and long-term data collection are necessary to develop GEP-NEN management concept in Latvia.

Gastric Endocrine Carcinoma: A New Look at a Rare Tumor From Cases in Japan

Objective:

We evaluated the clinicopathologic factors associated with gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) in patients who underwent surgical resection. Gastric NEC is rare, accounting for only about 0.6% of all malignant gastric tumors. Neither its pathogenesis nor its treatment has been fully established.

Methods:

We assessed 10 patients with gastric NEC who underwent surgical resection in our hospital between September 2007 and June 2019.

Results:

The patients consisted of 9 men and 1 woman, aged 63 to 78 years. The tumors were localized in the upper region (n = 5), middle region (n = 3), and lower region (n = 2). The macroscopic types were evaluated as 0-IIc (n = 3), 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 1), 3 (n = 2), and 4 (n = 1). The stages were ascertained as IA (n = 3), IIB (n = 3), IIIA (n = 2), IIIB (n = 1), and IIIC (n = 1). Radical resection was performed in all the patients. After surgery, relapse-free survival was achieved in 6 patients. The mean postoperative survival time was 63.5 months. On immunostaining, 6 patients were positive for CD56, and all were positive synaptophysin and chromogranin A. Of the 10 patients, standard-type adenocarcinoma was concomitantly present in 6.

Conclusions:

Some patients with surgically resected gastric NEC survived over a long period, suggesting the usefulness of radical resection. In future studies, the pathogenesis of gastric NEC should be fully clarified, and therapeutic strategies must be further developed.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms of different clinical classifications

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the incidence of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is on the rise. Gastric NENs have obvious heterogeneity. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric NEN of different clinical classifications are different. According to the diagnostic criteria developed by both Chinese and foreign scholars, Chinese clinical classification experts suggest four types of gastric NENs. Studying the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric NENs of different clinical classifications is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with gastric NENs.

AIM

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, to screen risk factors for metastasis, and to analyze the prognosis of gastric NENs of different clinical classifications.

METHODS

Clinicopathological and follow-up data of 160 patients with gastric NENs admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2011 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Gastric NENs were classified into four basic types by using the four-type classification. The χ² and t tests were used to analyze differences in clinicopathological characteristics of gastric NENs of different clinical classifications. Logistics regression method was used to analyze the risk factors for metastasis. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

The average age of 160 patients with gastric NENs was 58.3 years ± 10.8 years. Of 160 gastric NEN cases, there were two cases that were not clearly classified, 41 cases (25.9%) of type Ⅰ, 8 cases (5.1%) of type Ⅱ, 25 cases (15.8%) of type Ⅲ, and 84 cases (53.2%) of type Ⅳ. The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) diameter of types Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ tumors was 0.5 cm (0.3 cm, 0.7 cm), 1.5 cm (1.0 cm, 1.9 cm), 3.5 cm (2.0 cm, 4.8 cm), and 5.0 cm (3.0 cm, 7.0 cm), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ² = 64.532, P = 0.000). Of 150 patients, 83 had metastasis. Of 158 cases, 156 patients were followed, with a follow-up rate being 98.7%, and the follow-up period was 1 to 62 mo. At the end of follow-up (December 31, 2017), the overall survival rate was 97.6%, 85.7%, 64.0%, and 55.4% for types Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ tumors, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The maximum diameter of tumor is an important predictor of metastasis. The prognosis of patients with gastric NENs of different types is different. The prognosis of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ is better than that of types Ⅲ and Ⅳ, and type Ⅳ is more common in male patients.

Survival and prognostic factors analysis of 151 intestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a single center experience

Background

Intestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (IP-NETs) are rare tumors with heterogeneous outcomes. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical, therapeutic and pathological factors which impact the overall survival (OS) in IP-NETs.

Methods

All the patients diagnosed with IP-NETs at the Nantes University Hospital between October 1994 and October 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Patients with MEN-1 (Type 1 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) or Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome were excluded. Additionally, a prospective analysis of tumor grade (mitotic index and Ki67 index) was performed on tumor samples. OS was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors by log-rank test and Cox model.

Results

The study included 151 patients. Median age was 60 (range, 14-81). Primary tumor was pancreatic in 86 patients (56.95%) and intestinal in 65 patients (43.05%). Tumors were metastatic (synchronous or metachronous) in 72 patients (47.7%). The median OS was 157 months. For all IP-NETs, age >65 years (P<0.0001), Ki67 >5% (P=0.03), synchronous metastases (P=0.016), primary tumor size >25 mm (P=0.03) and emergency surgery (P=0.007) were independent poor prognostic factors.

Conclusions

In this large series of patients with IP-NET, age >65 years, Ki67 >5%, primary tumor size >25 mm, synchronous metastases and emergency surgery for acute complications have been identified as independent poor prognostic factors.

Advances in the cytologic diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

Two-thirds of neuroendocrine neoplasms arising in the human body originate from the gastrointestinal system or pancreas. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are heterogeneous, comprising both well differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). The clinical presentation, molecular characteristics, and behavior are distinct for NETs and NECs. Fine-needle aspiration is an important modality for the primary diagnosis and staging of these neoplasms and can provide information of prognostic and therapeutic significance. Our evolving understanding of neuroendocrine neoplasm biology has led to several iterations of classification. In this review, new concepts and issues most relevant to cytology diagnosis of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms are discussed, such as newer detection methods that aid in diagnosis and staging, recent changes in World Health Organization classification, practical issues related to grading these neoplasms on cytology, guidelines for diagnostic reporting, and panels of immunohistochemical stains for the diagnosis of metastasis. The current understanding of genetic and epigenetic events related to tumor development and potential applications for cytology also are presented as they relate to prognostication and recent therapeutic advances.

LncNEN885 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by partially regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms

It has been shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the carcinogenesis of multiple cancers. However, the roles of lncRNAs in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP‐NENs) remain elusive. In the present study, we found that lncNEN885 was markedly decreased in human gastric NEN samples compared to adjacent normal tissues by transcriptome sequencing. Functionally, silencing or overexpression of lncNEN885 could not obviously affect cell proliferation or apoptosis in BON‐1 or LCC‐18 cells but could affect cell migration and invasion as well as wound‐healing rates. Furthermore, dysregulation of lncNEN885 affected these biological functions by activating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through increased expression of Snail, vimentin, and N‐cadherin as well as decreased E‐cadherin levels in BON‐1 and LCC‐18 cells. Silencing of lncNEN885 could dramatically increase the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and decrease the expression of adenomatous polyposis coli and Axin, with the subsequent accumulation of β‐catenin. Taken together, dysregulation of lncNEN885 can regulate cell migration and invasion by activating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process partially through canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in GEP‐NEN cells, which may be a novel biomarker for the metastasis of GEP‐NENs.

Global burden of neuroendocrine tumors and changing incidence in Kentucky

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have a low incidence but relatively high prevalence. Over the last three decades, the incidence of NETs has risen 6-fold in the United States. We conducted an observational study to compare the incidence of NETs reported to the Kentucky Cancer Registry (KCR) versus that reported to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). We also provide a systematic review of the state of neuroendocrine tumors worldwide, and compare the available global and local published data.

Methods

KCR and SEER databases were queried for NET cases between 1995 and 2015. A detailed literature review of epidemiological data for various nations worldwide summarize epidemiological data from various countries.

Results

KCR recorded 6179 individuals with newly diagnosed NETs between 1995 and 2015. Between 1995-2012, the incidence of NETs in KCR increased from 3.1 to 7.1 per 100,000 cases, while it increased from 3.96 to 6.61 in the SEER database. The incidence rates in both KCR and SEER databases were linear. 90.57% were Caucasians with 54.74% females. 27.67% of the Kentucky population was from the Appalachian region. Patients aged 50-64 years had the highest prevalence (38%). Lung NET (30.60%) formed the bulk of cases, followed by small intestine (16.82%), rectum/anus (11.35%) and colon (9.71%).

Conclusions

NETs incidence between 1995 and 2015 show a linear increase in both KCR and SEER databases. Because of this increased incidence it is imperative for community oncologists to familiarize themselves with this entity, which until recently was under-studied and with few viable treatment options.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastric stump: A case report and literature review

We herein report a case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastric stump found 47 years after Billroth II gastric resection for a benign gastric ulcer. A 74-year-old man was referred to another hospital with melena. Endoscopic examination revealed a localized ulcerative lesion at the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy was neuroendocrine carcinoma. A total gastrectomy of the remnant stomach with D2 lymphadenectomy was performed at our hospital. The lesion invaded the subserosa, and metastasis was found in two of nine the lymph nodes retrieved. The lesion was positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A, and the Ki-67 labeling index was 60%. The diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastric stump was confirmed using World Health Organization 2010 criteria. Subsequently, the patient underwent one course of adjuvant chemotherapy with the etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) regimen; however, treatment was discontinued due to grade 3 myelosuppression. The patient showed lymph node metastasis in the region around the gastrojejunal anastomosis in the abdominal cavity 7 mo post-surgery. He then underwent radiotherapy and platinum-based combination chemotherapy; however, the disease progressed and liver recurrence was observed on follow-up computed tomography at 16 mo post-surgery. The patient then received chemotherapy with regimens used for the treatment of small cell lung cancer in first- and second-line settings. The patient died of disease progression 31 months after surgery.